## Chris Bassitt’s Emotional Return to the Oakland Coliseum
Oakland, CA – Former Oakland Athletics pitcher Chris Bassitt made a nostalgic return to the Coliseum on Sunday, rekindling memories and expressing gratitude for his time with the franchise.
### A Memorable Performance in Oakland
Bassitt, 35, pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays in the series opener on Friday, delivering a solid eight-inning outing, allowing only one earned run. His performance was a testament to his strong connection to the Coliseum, where he has a remarkable 2.36 ERA in 282 1/3 innings pitched.
### A Coveted Souvenir
Prior to the series finale on Sunday, Bassitt spent time reminiscing with former teammates and shared his appreciation for the Coliseum. He scooped up some dirt as a memento, expressing his uncertainty about ever pitching at the iconic venue again.
### A Legacy of Success
Bassitt’s ERA at the Coliseum ranks second only to Paul Lindblad among pitchers with over 250 innings at the stadium. His success is largely attributed to the exceptional defensive support he received from his A’s teammates.
### Fond Memories and Gratitude
Traded to Oakland in 2015, Bassitt faced initial adversity but persevered after Tommy John surgery in 2016. He went on to have a breakout season in 2018 and was a key contributor to the A’s success over the next three years.
Bassitt cited the passionate and supportive fan base as one of the highlights of his time in Oakland, describing them as “weird” in a positive way.
### A Future in Las Vegas
While the A’s impending move to Las Vegas weighs heavily on Bassitt’s mind, he acknowledges that the relocation has been in the works for several years. Despite the nostalgic attachment, he remains optimistic about the team’s future.
### A Contemplative Return
Upon returning to the Coliseum, Bassitt took time to reflect on his journey with the A’s, filled with both highs and lows. He expressed his immense gratitude for the opportunity to play in Oakland and for the lasting memories he made there.
### Conclusion
Chris Bassitt’s return to the Oakland Coliseum was a poignant reminder of his contributions to the franchise and the special bond he shared with the team and its fans. Despite the inevitable relocation to Las Vegas, Bassitt’s legacy will forever be etched into the history of the Coliseum and the hearts of A’s faithful.